naumachia

[ naw-mey-kee-uh ]

noun

, plural nau·ma·chi·ae [naw-, mey, -kee-ee], nau·ma·chi·as.

1. a mock sea fight, given as a spectacle among the ancient Romans.
2. a place for presenting such spectacles.

naumachia

/ nɔːˈmeɪkɪə; ˈnɔːməkɪ /

noun

1. a mock sea fight performed as an entertainment
2. an artificial lake used in such a spectacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of naumachia¹

1590–1600; < Latin: mock naval battle < Greek naumachía a sea fight, equivalent to naû ( s ) ship + mách ( ē ) battle, fight + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of naumachia¹

C16: via Latin from Greek naumakhia , from naus ship + makhē battle

Example Sentences

After the Naumachia, the moon rose, and the Chinese lanterns were lighted.

From Project Gutenberg

The main street itself was in many parts filled completely, and around the Naumachia Augusta great heaps were piled up.

From Project Gutenberg

Another form of the spectacle for the entertainment of the Roman public was the naumachia, or naval battle.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the vast arena was flooded with water, and naumachia or sea-fights were exhibited.

From Project Gutenberg

In a naumachia given by Nero, there were sea-monsters swimming about in the artificial lake.

From Project Gutenberg